A Journey Through The Psalms Wisdom From God A Journey Through The Psalms

Psalm 72– Oh Worship The King This is the final psalm in the second book of the psalter. It bears the inscription, “A psalm of Solomon”. John Calvin and Matthew Henry took the view that it was not written by Solomon, but rather was addressed to him, or was about him. Heavy Messianic undertones, yet never quoted in the New Testament.

A Righteous Reign Psalm considers multiple traits of a successful king. Verses 1-4 – “Give the king Your judgments, O God, and Your righteousness to the king’s son. May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice. Let the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills, in righteousness. May he vindicate the afflicted of the people, aave the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.”

Reigning In Righteousness Righteousness comes from God. Psalmist asks God to provide righteousness Pleads for justice for the afflicted: those downtrodden Vindication for the needy: “May He vindicate the afflicted…save the children of the needy….”

Jesus The Righteous Judge Peace to the people Crushing the oppressor World is much better place because of Jesus. 2 Timothy 4:8 – “…in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

A Peaceful Reign True of Solomon’s reign More true of Jesus’ reign Verses 5-7 – “Let them fear You while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations. May he come down like rain upon the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. In his days may the righteous flourish, and abundance of peace till the moon is no more.”

The Peace Of Jesus’ Reign Enemies cowed Blessings like rain Abundant/eternal peace Jesus is the Prince of peace Isaiah 9:6 – “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”

A Universal Reign Not true of Solomon’s reign. True of Jesus’ reign. Verse 8-11 – “May he also rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. Let the nomads of the desert bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust. Let the kings of Tarshish and of the islands bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. And let all kings bow down before him, all nations serve him.”

Universal Reign Of Jesus From “sea to sea” To “the ends of the earth” Nomads and enemies as allies All nations and foreign kings Jesus is proclaimed King of Kings 1 Timothy 6:15 – “…which He will bring about at the proper time – He who is blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords….”

A Benevolent Reign Not a reign of conquest, but a reign of benevolence! Verses 12-14 – “For he will deliver the needy when he cries for help, the afflicted also, and him who has no helper. He will have compassion on the poor and needy, and the lives of the needy he will save. He will rescue their life from oppression and violence, and their blood will be precious in his sight….”

Jesus the Good Shepherd John 10:11, 14-15 – “I am the good Shepherd; the good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep….I am the good Shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me….and I lay down My life for the sheep.”

A Fruitful Reign Verse 16-17 – “May there be abundance of grain in the earth on top of the mountains; Its fruit will wave like the cedars of Lebanon; and may those from the city flourish like vegetation of the earth. May his name endure forever; May his name increase as long as the sun shines; and let men bless themselves by him; let all nations call him blessed.”

The Abundant Reign of Jesus An abundance of grain As impressive as the cedars of Lebanon. With an enduring Name Blessed by all the nations Jesus the Fruitful Vine John 15:1-2 – “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes is so that it may bear more fruit.”

Doxology Verses 18-19 – “Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who along works wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; and may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen.” All praise be to God for sending Jesus the Son to forever change the world into His kingdom!